NBA one step closer to late July restart

The NBA took the first step toward a return to play for the 2019- 20 season, but other details must be handled before the plan is finalized.

NBA owners on Thursday approved a plan to resume the regular season with 22 teams and a full playoff schedule, which includes a potential play- in game for the eighth seed, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Florida.

The proposal, developed in conversations, feedback and input from owners, NBA executives, Commissioner Adam Silver and team executives, is aimed at finding the best combination of health and safety and principles of competition.

The proposal passed 29- 1 with Portland voting against the format.

“The Board’s approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season,” Silver said in a statement. “While the COVID- 19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts.

“We also recognize that as we prepare to resume play, our society is reeling from recent tragedies of racial violence and injustice, and we will continue to work closely with our teams and players to use our collective resources and influence to address these issues in very real and concrete ways.”

The season is tentatively scheduled to resume July 31 with teams reporting to Orlando in early July.

Other issues were decided, too. The draft will be Oct. 15, free agency will begin Oct. 18 and the tentative start of the 2020- 21 season is scheduled for Dec. 1.

While the owners approved the proposal, steps remain to ensure the season restarts:

❚ The National Basketball Players Association must also approve the plan.

❚ The league needs to finalize venue details with Disney.

❚ Get a sign- off from Florida public health officials.

❚ Finalize a comprehensive health and safety protocol program.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind that any COVID- 19- related issues, such as an increase in the spread of the virus or situation that would increase risk, could interrupt the NBA’s plan.

If everything falls into place, the season will resume in late July after a twoplus week training camp. It will include eight “regular- season” games, possible play- in games, then the 16- team playoffs. The 22 teams will include nine from the Eastern Conference and 13 from the Western Conference.

The games will be played without fans at three gyms at the complex.

The restart of the season and the playoffs will look like Thursday and Friday of the NCAA tournament, with multiple games each day at the site.

RON CHENOY/ USA TODAY SPORTS NBA owners voted Thursday on a plan to complete the 2019- 20 season, pending approval by the players and agreements with Disney and clearances from Florida local health officials.